Future looks bright for sandy despite defeat
The next wave of Dragons stars got an early NAB League experience on Sunday as Sandringham lost a tight tussle to the top-of-the-table Eastern Ranges, 5.8 (38) to 8.8 (56).
Seven youngsters pulled on the Dragons jumper for the first time at Box Hill City Oval and staked their claims for a spot not only in the coming weeks but the coming years.
It was part of ‘Futures Round’, promoting the introduction of bottom-aged players throughout the state.
Following the development themed round, assistant coach Jackson Kornberg took the reigns as head coach and was impressed by his young side’s efforts.
“We had seven guys who were able to pull on the Dragons jumper for the first time. We love Futures Rounds because it gives us the opportunity to give our younger players a run,” he said.
“Lachie Carrigan came in – he’s had a really strong block of training – and statistically he might not have had a lot of the ball but I thought he showed some real promising signs particularly with his ground ball and his foot skills, that’s his main attribute.
“We were able to play someone like Joe Nowell in the ruck who was able to ruck in tandem with Jack Bell and Ollie Lord and he was able to create a terrific contest for us and give our midfielders first use.”
But it was a returning face that stole the show.
Vic Country squad member Darcy Chirgwin played his first Dragons game in almost a year and took no time in returning to his dominant best.
The midfielder gathered 32 possessions, 16 tackles and 5 marks in a best-on-ground display.
“I thought Darcy Chirgwin was outstanding, particularly on the inside. It was his first game back for the club and we spoke in the mid-week meeting that it’s been 281 days since Darcy had played for the Dragons last,” Kornberg said.
“To have 32 possessions and 16 tackles shows his workrate and intent as an inside midfielder.
“He just looked like an academy player, which he is. We’re really looking excited to have him back.”
The stand-in coach was also delighted with the performances of explosive midfielder/forward George Grey and Toby Sheezel.
In sloppy conditions, Eastern’s ability to convert their opportunities once transitioning the ball forward was the difference.
Kornberg said they’ll be focusing on their inside 50 efficiency during the week.
“I thought the game was a really scrappy contest. Box Hill was very wet and muddy but we adjusted to the game quite early and turned it into a bit more of a contest game as opposed to a running, outside game,” he said.
“I reckon we were able to do that but particularly in the last quarter the most disappointing thing was that we had 72 per cent time in front half and we weren’t able to score. On the flipside when Eastern went inside 50 they really capitalised on their opportunities.
“I think that was purely the difference on the day. They were a lot more efficient when they went inside 50 with their ball use. We were well and truly in the contest right up until halfway through the last quarter – as I said dominating front half territory – but to not convert was probably the most disappointing aspect of the game.”
Sandringham will look to return to winning ways on Saturday morning against Oakleigh.
SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS
Goal Kickers: J. Bell, J. Goddard, J. Miller, E. Soylemez, J. Mifsud
Best Players: D. Chirgwin, T. Sheezel, G. Grey, J. Lloyd, J. Mifsud, J. Voss